Man Wanted Over Channel Tragedy Extradited to France
A man linked to the drowning deaths of at least 27 migrants in the English Channel has been extradited to France to face trial. The fatal incident happened in November 2021 when a dinghy capsized after leaving the French coast.
Arrest in Cheltenham Following UK Manhunt
National Crime Agency (NCA) officers arrested 32-year-old Harem Ahmed Abwbaker in a Cheltenham hotel on 29 November last year. He is believed to be a key player in an organised crime gang that smuggled migrants across the Channel in a small boat.
Tragically, the vessel sank and only two people survived. Four remain missing. The NCA is working with French authorities to uncover what caused the disaster.
Facing Serious Charges in France
Abwbaker agreed to extradition on 28 June and was handed over to French officials on 7 July. He now faces charges including manslaughter, human trafficking, and organised crime in a French court. The Crown Prosecution Service aided the extradition process.
“The NCA is working closely with our French partners to investigate this Channel dinghy tragedy,” said NCA Deputy Director Craig Turner. “We remain determined to get justice for the families of those whose lives were lost. Tackling people smuggling remains a priority for us, and we continue to disrupt and dismantle the cruel organised criminal networks involved.”
